Rutgers QB Gary Nova continues to struggle

Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Houston in Piscataway, N.J., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. Houston won 49-14. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

PISCATAWAY — At 3:15 p.m., Gary Nova trotted off the High Point Solutions Stadium turf with security personnel, 15 yards ahead of the rest of his Rutgers teammates.

Nearly a month ago, he left the field to pats on the back and well wishes. This time, it happened in shadow.

No player’s narrative has swung as quickly.

“It’s been great sometimes, and sometimes it’s been bad,” Nova said. “I just have to keep working through it, and I think we’ll finish the season off right.”

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Rutgers’ junior quarterback received lofty praise for his play during a five-game stretch to start the season. But in his last two games, Nova has completed nearly 50 percent of his passes for one touchdown and seven interceptions.

Backup Chas Dodd replaced him with 3:34 left in the third quarter Saturday in a 49-14 loss to Houston. Head coach Kyle Flood said he has to watch the game film before making ultimatums on a starting quarterback.

“Every year, every player at every position has an opportunity to win that position,” Flood said. “Once they win the position, they get a certain amount of trust that we give to them.”

Nova’s regression coincided with handcuffed play-calling from coordinator Ron Prince. Even with the Scarlet Knights trailing by 14 points at halftime, Rutgers’ run-pass ratio was 13-to-5.

Run-heavy formations replaced three-receiver sets. The notion of Nova’s rapid development in year three vanished.

Nova has thrown 25 interceptions in his last 14 games.

“It’s definitely made me better,” Nova said of facing adversity. “It tests my character. Like I said, my confidence isn’t shaken. I just have to learn from it and keep going.”

His first of three turnovers Saturday appeared a miscommunication with wide receiver Quron Pratt, but several have been indefensible. He is among the nation’s leaders in interceptions.

A fourth giveaway — a pass from Dodd deflected off wideout Brandon Coleman’s hands — cleared out the High Point Solutions Stadium bleachers with 11:03 remaining.

Flood announced Aug. 20, 2012, that Nova would be his starting quarterback. Calls for Nova’s replacement grew during a tailspin ending a year ago. It remains to be seen how Flood will meet them if they continue.

Dodd and Nova swapped starts in 2011 — Dodd finished with eight to Nova’s five — while Dodd has largely watched from the sideline since. He played more than three quarters Sept. 14 against Eastern Michigan after Nova left with a concussion sustained on Rutgers’ first drive.

Dodd appeared only three times in 2012, attempting one pass.

He said he and Nova occasionally speak privately about their past troubles, but it mostly stems from the atmosphere in their quarterback meeting room.

“We talk about when adversity hits, being able to stay focused on what’s got to be done, and that’s to win games,” Dodd said. “I’m sure we’re going to be talking about that as the rest of the season goes.”

About the Author

Tyler Barto is a 2013 Rutgers graduate and a Westampton, N.J., native. Reach the author at tbarto@trentonian.com
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